House resumes probe on poll fraud; losing solons appear

MANILA, Philippines – The committee on electoral reforms and suffrage of the House of Representatives resumed its inquiry into allegations of fraud in the May 10 elections, with several lawmakers who lost in their respective districts showing up to present evidence.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Jose Melo and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) chairperson Henrietta de Villa were also present.

North Cotabato vice governor Emmanuel Pinol, who lost in the gubernatorial race, made the first presentation alleging that the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines were “just glamorized machines.”

Pinol also claimed that the transmission of the election returns was “jammed” by electronic device. He said that in Pikit town alone, he lost 16,000 votes because of the “prepared ballots” that were stuffed into the PCOS machines.

He also wondered why some election returns were printed on thermal papers with prints like “Citibank and Mastercard.”

Pinol said he was prepared to present evidence before the panel and to the court.

Source: Inquirer